SSG Ian Tyrell being awarded the Soldier's Medal. (5th SFG (A) Public Affairs Office)
Green Beret Ian Tyrell from Ft. Campbell, KY, was recently awarded the Soldier’s Medal for rescuing a woman who was injured in an accident and drowning in a river in Tennessee.
SSG Ian Tyrell, a Special Forces Medical Sergeant of B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was awarded the Soldier’s Medal by Major General John W. Brennan, Commanding General, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), during a ceremony at the Deeks Language Lab on July 14.
“One of the great things we get to do, is to recognize bravery,” Brennan said during his remarks, “it’s common to recognize our Soldiers in a combat zone, but what Staff Sgt. Tyrell did, is not common.”
“He didn’t think about it; his training kicked in, and he did what comes naturally,” Brennan added, “He’s also very humble about what he did and is very taken aback by all the doings with the Soldier’s Medal, but he deserves it.”
The Soldier’s Medal was created in 1926. It is the highest award for bravery not involving combat operations. The criteria for the award are as follows: “The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life.”
SSG Ian Tyrell was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for the rescue of a woman who broke her leg and was drowning in a Tennessee river. (5th AFG Public Affairs Office)
Two years ago, in August of 2019, then-SGT Tyrell had just reported into Ft. Campbell, having just graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). Tyrell and a friend were heading out to Port Royal State Park just over the state border in nearby Adams, Tennessee to do some kayaking.
Port Royal State Park is a small but popular area with locals. It has many hiking, boating, and picnicking sites.
While at the park, Tyrell and his companion noticed commotion in the river and saw that a woman was drowning. Their training kicked in. Disregarding their own personal safety, Tyrell and his friend jumped into the river and pulled the woman out.
Green Beret Ian Tyrell from Ft. Campbell, KY, was recently awarded the Soldier’s Medal for rescuing a woman who was injured in an accident and drowning in a river in Tennessee.
SSG Ian Tyrell, a Special Forces Medical Sergeant of B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was awarded the Soldier’s Medal by Major General John W. Brennan, Commanding General, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), during a ceremony at the Deeks Language Lab on July 14.
“One of the great things we get to do, is to recognize bravery,” Brennan said during his remarks, “it’s common to recognize our Soldiers in a combat zone, but what Staff Sgt. Tyrell did, is not common.”
“He didn’t think about it; his training kicked in, and he did what comes naturally,” Brennan added, “He’s also very humble about what he did and is very taken aback by all the doings with the Soldier’s Medal, but he deserves it.”
The Soldier’s Medal was created in 1926. It is the highest award for bravery not involving combat operations. The criteria for the award are as follows: “The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life.”
SSG Ian Tyrell was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for the rescue of a woman who broke her leg and was drowning in a Tennessee river. (5th AFG Public Affairs Office)
Two years ago, in August of 2019, then-SGT Tyrell had just reported into Ft. Campbell, having just graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). Tyrell and a friend were heading out to Port Royal State Park just over the state border in nearby Adams, Tennessee to do some kayaking.
Port Royal State Park is a small but popular area with locals. It has many hiking, boating, and picnicking sites.
While at the park, Tyrell and his companion noticed commotion in the river and saw that a woman was drowning. Their training kicked in. Disregarding their own personal safety, Tyrell and his friend jumped into the river and pulled the woman out.
Tyrell also recognized that after being pulled down into the water from the strong current, the injured woman had suffered a broken leg.
Because of the river’s remote location, emergency first responders had a hard time quickly reaching the woman. Tyrell remained with her and tried to stabilize her as best as he could until she could be safely evacuated.
“When the first responder came down, he didn’t have any of the equipment that he needed,” Tyrell said to the 5th PAO, SGT Daniel Mariscal, “the only thing I could find to make an improvised splint was the oar.”
Tyrell took his own kayak paddle, snapped it in half, and fashioned a makeshift splint for her leg. Once the EMT first responders were able to get the injured woman on an evacuation life raft, Tyrell aided them in transporting her through the rapids to a point where she could be safely evacuated.
“The lady needed help; I helped her,” SSG Ian Tyrell said downplaying his actions, “anybody else would have done the same thing.”
Nevertheless, General Brennan didn’t buy into that and reiterated how important Tyrell’s actions were in saving the woman’s life.
“He put himself at great personal risk to save a fellow human being who could’ve possibly died,” Brennan said, “I cannot be more proud of him; he represents the Special Forces Regiment and the U.S. Army with extreme selflessness and honor.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.